1939 Movies
Browse 901 titles in our 1939 Movies Database
- The Wizard of Oz
- Rebecca
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- The Rules of the Game
- Ninotchka
- Only Angels Have Wings
- The Roaring Twenties
- The Women
- Gunga Din
- Destry Rides Again
- Dark Victory
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Son of Frankenstein
- The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Goodbye, Mr. Chips
- Jamaica Inn
- Pride and Prejudice
- Young Mr. Lincoln
- Le Jour Se Leve
- Another Thin Man
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- Drums Along the Mohawk
- The Little Princess
- The Four Feathers
- Beau Geste
- At the Circus
- Love Affair
- The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex
- Dodge City
- The Flying Deuces
- Midnight
- Jesse James
- Gulliver's Travels
- Bachelor Mother
- The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum
- Made for Each Other
- The Old Maid
- The Cat and the Canary
- Each Dawn I Die
- Ugly Duckling
- Tarzan Finds a Son!
- In Name Only
- It's a Wonderful World
- Union Pacific
- Babes in Arms
- The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
- The Oklahoma Kid
- They Made Me a Criminal
- The Return of Doctor X
- Juarez
- U-Boat 29
- Five Came Back
- Beyond Tomorrow
- The Rains Came
- On Borrowed Time
- Tower of London
- Golden Boy
- Confessions of a Nazi Spy
- The Blue Bird
- The Man They Could Not Hang
- Invisible Stripes
- The Man in the Iron Mask
- You Can't Cheat an Honest Man
- Charlie Chan at Treasure Island
- Charlie Chan in Honolulu
- Fifth Avenue Girl
- Allegheny Uprising
- Peace on Earth
- Idiot's Delight
- The Gorilla
- King of the Underworld
- Stanley and Livingstone
- The Hockey Champ
- Charlie Chan in Reno
- You're Missing the Point
- Topper Takes a Trip
- The Sidewalks of London
- Nancy Drew... Reporter
- Mr. Moto's Last Warning
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- City in Darkness
- Beach Picnic
- You Can't Get Away with Murder
- Raffles
- The Real Glory
- The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
- Society Dog Show
- Q Planes
- The Phantom Creeps
- Lucky Partners
- The Saint Strikes Back
- Donald's Cousin Gus
- The Ice Follies of 1939
- Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur
- Frontier Marshal
- La fin du jour
- Ask a Policeman
- Dots
- Buck Rogers
- Susannah of the Mounties
- The Mystery of Mr. Wong
- The Saint in London
- Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase
- Dust Be My Destiny
- Mr. Wong in Chinatown
- Goofy and Wilbur
- Sea Scouts
- Fast and Furious
- Donald's Lucky Day
- Blackmail
- Nancy Drew... Trouble Shooter
- Miracles for Sale
- The Mikado
- The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt
- Mr. Moto in Danger Island
- Blind Alley
- Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
- Let's Go with Pancho Villa
- Day-Time Wife
- First Love
- The Lion Has Wings
- Honolulu
- The Face at the Window
- The Autograph Hound
- When Tomorrow Comes
- Daughters Courageous
- Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
- Old Glory
- Four Wives
- The Arsenal Stadium Mystery
- Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
- Fast and Loose
- New Frontier
- The Pointer
- Maisie
- The Three Musketeers
- Zenobia
- Let Us Live
- Donald's Penguin
- Rose of Washington Square
- Officer Duck
- Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
- Lady of the Tropics
- Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police
- Devil's Island
- Thugs with Dirty Mugs
- The Great Man Votes
- We Want Our Mummy
- Never Say Die
- Three Sappy People
- Lucky Night
- Kit Carson
- The Amazing Mr. Williams
- A Ducking They Did Go
- Remember?
- Cesta do hlubin studákovy duse
- Good Girls Go to Paris
- The Practical Pig
- Yes, We Have No Bonanza
- Calling Dr. Kildare
- Angels Wash Their Faces
- Calling All Curs
- Prest-O Change-O
- Fric-Frac
- A Day at the Zoo
- Second Fiddle
- Dancing Co-Ed
- Slightly Honorable
- Bulldog Drummond's Bride
- Hare-um Scare-um
- The Light That Failed
- Nick Carter, Master Detective
- Saved by the Belle
- These Glamour Girls
- Blackwell's Island
- The Film Fan
- The Secret of Dr. Kildare
- Judge Hardy and Son
- They Shall Have Music
- Spook Sport
- Torture Ship
- The Hardys Ride High
- Espionage Agent
- Zorro's Fighting Legion
- Christian
- Torchy Blane in Chinatown
- Hollywood Cavalcade
- Honeymoon in Bali
- Wyoming Outlaw
- The Housekeeper's Daughter
- The Night Riders
- Three Texas Steers
- U pokladny stál...
- Three Smart Girls Grow Up
- Torchy Runs for Mayor
- Torchy Blane.. Playing with Dynamite
- Blondie Takes a Vacation
- Where's That Fire?
- Tell No Tales
- Beauty for the Asking
- Blondie Brings Up Baby
- Personal Column
- Blondie Meets the Boss
- Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence
- Tevya
- Hell's Kitchen
- Hamateur Night
- We Are Not Alone
- Customers Wanted
- Only One Night
- Robin Hood Makes Good
- Aldeia da Roupa Branca
- That's Right - You're Wrong
- Dick Tracy's G-Men
- Naughty But Nice
- Eva tropí hlouposti
- Wings of the Navy
- Halálos tavasz
- Balalaika
- On Dress Parade
- The Girl from Mexico
- Wise Quacks
- Land of Liberty
- The Devil's Daughter
- Within the Law
- Pacific Liner
- Code of the Secret Service
- Panama Lady
- Stand Up and Fight
- Beating Heart
- Captain Fury
- ...One Third of a Nation...
- Twelve Crowded Hours
- Bad Little Angel
- They All Come Out
- Some Like It Hot
- Stronger Than Desire
- Bars and Stripes Forever
- The Will
- Over the Moon
- Inspector Hornleigh
- Lenin in 1918
- Four Girls in White
- East Side of Heaven
- The Last Turning
- Rough Riders' Round-up
- Private Detective
- Gjest Baardsen
- Days of Jesse James
- Prisioneros de la tierra
- Broadway Serenade
- Convict's Code
- Gorky 2: My Apprenticeship
- The Lady and the Mob
- Tractor Drivers
- The Phantom Wagon
- Society Lawyer
- Nine Bachelors
- Women in the Wind
- Trouble Brewing
- King of Chinatown
- Yes, My Darling Daughter
- The Adventures of Jane Arden
- Smashing the Money Ring
- Secret Service of the Air
- 6,000 Enemies
- The Bronze Buckaroo
- In Old Caliente
- The Gracie Allen Murder Case
- Small Fry
- Everything Happens at Night
- Way Down South
- Indianapolis Speedway
- Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
- Daredevils of the Red Circle
- The Golden Key
- Bridal Suite
- George Takes the Air
- Wife, Husband and Friend
- The Fresh Vegetable Mystery
- It's the Natural Thing to Do
- Tosun Pasa
- Thunder Afloat
- Boy Slaves
- Kid Nightingale
- Henry Goes Arizona
- The Arizona Kid
- Tail Spin
- Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
- Gold Rush Daze
- Penny Paradise
- A Girl Must Live
- Musical Mountaineers
- Pied Piper Porky
- Irish Luck
- Let Freedom Ring
- Full Confession
- Shors
- Fresh Fish
- Sorority House
- Service de Luxe
- Porky's Tire Trouble
- On Your Toes
- Zaza
- Buried Alive
- Kalle på Spången
- Believe It or Else
- Moon Over Harlem
- Homicide Bureau
- Daughter of the Tong
- Off the Record
- Department Store
- The Kid from Kokomo
- Circonstances atténuantes
- Oshidori utagassen
- The Three Bears
- Mandrake, the Magician
- The Body Vanished
- Hello How Am I
- Porky's Hotel
- Bad Lands
- The 400 Million
- Silver on the Sage
- I Met a Murderer
- Midnight Shadow
- The Marshal of Mesa City
- The Middleton Family at the New York World's Fair
- My Friend the Monkey
- Scalp Trouble
- Spare Time
- Sergeant Madden
- Miracle on Main Street
- Rio
- Law of the Pampas
- Sunset Trail
- Man of Conquest
- Man About Town
- Conspiracy
- Renegade Trail
- Back Door to Heaven
- Never Sock a Baby
- Invitation to Happiness
- Screwball Football
- Island of Lost Men
- Lying Lips
- The Cisco Kid and the Lady
- Leave Well Enough Alone
- Range War
- Sued for Libel
- Rhythm on the Reservation
- Stars and Stripes
- Harlem Rides the Range
- New Horizons
- Porky's Movie Mystery
- Saga of Death Valley
- From the Ends of the Earth
- The Scared Crows
- Broken Strings
- Prophet Without Honor
- Southward Ho!
- The Flying Irishman
- The Whole Family Works
- Burn 'Em Up O'Connor
- Snowman's Land
- Waterfront
- The Ware Case
- Arizona Legion
- Hitler: Beast of Berlin
- Sweepstakes Winner
- Disputed Passage
- Murder in the Night
- Reno
- Streets of New York
- The Rookie Cop
- South of the Border
- Everybody's Hobby
- Barricade
- My Son Is Guilty
- Lawless Valley
- Trouble in Sundown
- Sons of the Sea
- It Was a Gay Ballnight
- The Invisible Killer
- Inquest
- The Kid from Texas
- Million Dollar Legs
- Derrière la façade
- Kristopher Kolumbus Jr.
- Two Girls on the Street
- Four Seasons of Children
- The Sign of Death
- The Cowboy Quarterback
- The House of Fear
- In Old Monterey
- Christmas Under Fire
- The Blue Fox
- They Made Her a Spy
- Bel Ami
- The Lone Ranger Rides Again
- Wall Street Cowboy
- The Phantom Strikes
- Cheer Boys Cheer
- The Good Egg
- The Sun Never Sets
- Death Rides the Range
- Coast Guard
- The Great Victor Herbert
- Exile Express
- Timber Stampede
- Fixer Dugan
- No Place to Go
- Constable Studer
- Seven Brothers
- Landstormens lilla Lotta
- $1000 a Touchdown
- Spies of the Air
- Sincerity
- Hotel for Women
- Paradise in Harlem
- O Descobrimento do Brasil
- Paris Honeymoon
- Star Reporter
- I Stole a Million
- Man in a Shell
- Rulers of the Sea
- Frontier Pony Express
- The Return of the Cisco Kid
- Je t'attendrai
- Helmikuun manifesti
- Colorado Sunset
- Racketeers of the Range
- Home on the Prairie
- Wasser für Canitoga
- Jeepers Creepers
- The Leghorn Hat
- The Day the Bookies Wept
- Heritage of the Desert
- Minin i Pozharskiy
- Mexicali Rose
- Cafe Society
- Sioux Me
- The Star Maker
- Three Sons
- Sky Patrol
- The Five Cents of Lavarede
- Navy Secrets
- The Frozen Limits
- Danger Flight
- Meet Dr. Christian
- Rovin' Tumbleweeds
- Animali pazzi
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Code of the Cactus
- Across the Plains
- The Fighting Gringo
- Great Citizen
- Hobo Gadget Band
- Hello Janine!
- Water Rustlers
- What a Life
- Blue Montana Skies
- Charlie McCarthy, Detective
- The Mayor's Dilemma
- Earth
- Vihtori ja Klaara
- The Under-Pup
- Ancient Egypt
- The Witness Vanishes
- Ernest the Rebel
- The Spellbinder
- 20, 000 Men a Year
- Dad for a Day
- Alfalfa's Aunt
- Panama Patrol
- Boefje
- Devushka s kharakterom
- Mystery Plane
- Pack Up Your Troubles
- The World Will Shake
- An Adventure of Salvator Rosa
- S.O.S. Tidal Wave
- Heroes in Blue
- The Fighting Renegade
- Boys' Reformatory
- While New York Sleeps
- The Mysterious Mr. Davis
- The Light Ahead
- Long Shot
- Straight Shooter
- Escape to Paradise
- Hotel Imperial
- Pride of the Blue Grass
- Opernball
- De spooktrein
- Sudden Money
- Winter Carnival
- Cousin Wilbur
- Reform School
- Let's Be Famous
- Fighting Mad
- Undercover Agent
- Fridericus
- The Man Who Dared
- Mountain Rhythm
- Captain Spanky's Show Boat
- Crashing Thru
- Ani to sono imôto
- Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President
- Wlóczegi
- The Girl from Rio
- Mystery of the White Room
- Every Madman to His Specialty
- Taming of the West
- Rikas tyttö
- Midnattssolens son
- St. Louis Blues
- A Haunting We Will Go
- Prison Without Bars
- Dangerous Masquerade
- She Married a Cop
- Beware Spooks!
- Confucius
- Religious Racketeers
- Louise
- Don Quintin the Bitter
- Frun tillhanda
- Almost a Gentleman
- Six-Gun Rhythm
- The Family Next Door
- On Trial
- Pukar
- The Five-Forty
- Oklahoma Frontier
- Double Deal
- Raphaël le tatoué
- Kitty and the World Conference
- Sabotage
- Anthony the Last
- Das Ekel
- Boy Trouble
- The Oregon Trail
- The Immortal Heart
- The Kansas Terrors
- Desperate Trails
- Skanör-Falsterbo
- Cowboys from Texas
- Bad Boy
- Oklahoma Terror
- Mutiny on the Blackhawk
- Vihreä kulta
- Everything's on Ice
- Flying Fifty-Five
- Nightclub Hostess
- Unmarried
- Istrebiteli
- Girls in Distress
- Texas Wildcats
- Entente cordiale
- Her Little Majesty
- Hotel Sacher
- Two Thoroughbreds
- Lend Me Three Pounds
- Ambush
- Hätävara
- Janitzio
- Imputato, alzatevi!
- Missing Evidence
- The First Days
- Our Leading Citizen
- The Return of the Frog
- Feud of the Range
- Riders of the Sage
- Trigger Pals
- Scouts to the Rescue
- The New Teacher
- Lapatossu ja Vinski olympia-kuumeessa
- The Mysterious Miss X
- Gas Light
- Flaming Lead
- Cantinflas boxeador
- Design for Murder
- There Ain't No Justice
- Television Spy
- Here I Am a Stranger
- Melodin från Gamla Stan
- Muzhestvo
- Dora Nelson
- Persons in Hiding
- Dedeckem proti své vuli
- Takki ja liivit pois!
- Shipyard Sally
- Manoos
- Bachelor's Paradise
- Down the Wyoming Trail
- Ja tu rzadze
- Eteenpäin - elämään
- The Magnificent Fraud
- Fangs of the Wild
- Wolf Call
- Pasha's Wives
- It Could Happen to You
- Love Cavalcade
- Outlaws' Paradise
- The Stranger from Texas
- Avoveteen
- Squadron 992
- Mother Goose in Swingtime
- Aktivistit
- In Old Montana
- Code of the Fearless
- Britain at Bay
- Legion of Lost Flyers
- Príklady táhnou
- The Lady's from Kentucky
- Footsteps in the Sand
- The False Step
- Riders of the Frontier
- Code of the Streets
- Disbarred
- Carmen fra i rossi
- The Zero Hour
- Crisis
- News Is Made at Night
- D III 88
- Such Is Life
- Bewitching Kisses
- Vi två
- Law of the Wolf
- Accord final
- Ride 'em, Cowgirl
- Westbound Stage
- Stunt Pilot
- Serenaadi sotatorvella
- Cocoanut
- Call a Messenger
- The Orphan Duck
- Honeysuckle
- Closed Door
- María de la O
- Cardinal Messias
- Flight at Midnight
- Society Smugglers
- The Last Warning
- Laugh It Off
- Punahousut
- The Mad Empress
- The Armchair
- Komtessen paa Steenholt
- Oss baroner emellan
- De vergeløse
- Tomorrow It Will Be Better
- Adolf i eld och lågor
- Old Mother Riley Joins Up
- La vida es un tango
- Jumalan tuomio
- Me and My Girl
- Wedding in Toprin
- The Pal from Texas
- De tre måske fire
- El Diablo Rides
- Spain
- Port of Hate
- Sjöcharmörer
- Åh, en så'n grabb
- Keep Punching
- Los hijos de la noche
- Cantinflas jengibre contra dinamita
- Benkei tai Ushiwaka
- Isoviha
- Robert and Bertram
- Affluent People
- Trois de St Cyr
- Overland Mail
- Tsuchi to heitai
- Rattling Romeo
- The House of the Ogre
- The Movies March On
- Ohnivé léto
- The House That Jack Built
- La famille Duraton
- Nell's Yells
- Stepan Razin
- The Arizona Wildcat
- En lille tilfældighed
- Mot nya tider
- Prinzessin Sissy
- Marriage in Buenos Aires
- Inside Information
- Nanette
- Man from Texas
- Métropolitain
- The Tale About Priest and His Worker Balda
- Kongo-Express
- I dag börjar livet
- Tumult in Damascus
- Gubben kommer
- The Masked Lover
- Kennedy the Great
- Familie Schimek
- Divorce in Montevideo
- Friends
- Fitness Wins: 4 and 20 Fit Girls
- Remember When
- Romance of the Redwoods
- I dag begynder livet
- Lo vedi come sei... Lo vedi come sei?
- Halveksittu
- Woman at the Wheel
- Cándida
- La piste du sud
- Menschen vom Varieté
- Mordsache Holm
- Kadettkamrater
- Nordhavets mænd
- La canción de Aixa
- Ein hoffnungsloser Fall
- If War Should Come
- Second Childhood
- Nothing But the Truth
- Sighs of Spain
- Come Up Smiling
- Me and My Pal
- War and Order
- Due milioni per un sorriso
- Chetvyortyy periskop
- Miss Knowall
- Kaksi Vihtoria
- I Am Sebastian Ott
- Peasants
- A Midsummer Day's Work
- Two Gun Troubador
- Genboerne
- The Black Beast
- City of Lost Men
- The Nutty Network
- So This Is London
- Night Alone
- Spöke till salu
- The Owl and the Pussycat
- Mother Love
- Dreams on Ice
- Yesterday Is Over Your Shoulder
- Amangeldy
- The First Robin
- Mountain Ears
- Die Geliebte
- Men Are That Way
- United But Not Mixed
- Freed Hands
- Terra di fuoco
- Elverhøj
- Jitterbug Knights
- Emelie Högqvist
- The Governor
- El indio
- College Girls
- The Streets of New York
- A Call for Arms!
- Juan sin miedo
- The Gorilla Hunt
- Sevani dzknorsnere
- Ambición
- Golden Venus
- Raitu Bidda
- Vande Mataram
- Mr. Lahtinen Takes French Leave
- Valfångare
- Rejoice While You're Young, Fellow Cadets
- The Royal Visit
- Discoveries
- Finale
- Den gamle præst
- Smiling Along
- Ihr erstes Erlebnis
- Fighting Thoroughbreds
- Who Is Guilty?
- Io, suo padre
- Der Fall Deruga
- Maria Ilona
- Der Vorhang fällt
- Renate im Quartett
- Children of Divorce
- Panik
- Forest Fever
- Ich verweigere die Aussage
- Parkstrasse 13
- Zwischen Strom und Steppe
- Margarita, Armando y su padre
- King of the Edelweiss
- Feux de joie
- Pikku pelimanni
- The Model and the Star
- Ombyte förnöjer
- Clock Wise
- Une java
- Alma norteña
- V kukolnoy strane
- Muz z neznáma
- The Case of Charlie Gordon
- Schneewittchen und die sieben Zwerge
- Zborov
- L'étrange nuit de Noël
- Veselá bída
- Vykrik do sibirské noci
- Rajat Jayanti
- Musik für dich
- Immortal Waltz
- Deuxième bureau contre kommandantur
- Umlcené rty
- Café Concordia
- Three on a Honeymoon
- Una luz en mi camino
- Homes for Workers
- We at Solglantan
- Cookery Hints: Oatmeal Porridge
- The Backyard Front
- Casa lontana
- Act Your Age
- Charlie Cuckoo
- Die barmherzige Lüge
- Scheidungsreise
- Zentrale Rio
- In geheimer Mission
- Rakuuna Kalle Kollola
- Young Veteran
- This Fowl Business
- Religion and the People
- Krazy's Bear Tale
- Ich bin gleich wieder da
- Neighbours Under Fire
- Fräulein
- Drei Väter um Anna
- Zwölf Minuten nach zwölf
- Roman eines Arztes
- A Gentleman's Gentleman
- Seven Little Australians
- Radio and Television
- Sacred Woods
- Annie Laurie
- Il fornaretto di Venezia
- Festival de la comedia
- El hotel de los chiflados
- Shunjû ittôryû
- Old Iron
- City of Ships
- Rembrandt
- Play in the Summer Breezes
- Maxim's Porter
- Drunter und drüber
- Sword of Honour
- Calumnia
- Hu Dagmar
- The Honeymoon's Over
- Su adorable majadero
- Il segreto inviolabile
- Дядя Степа
- Love on the Range
- Fire in the Straw
- La vie est magnifique
- Place de la Concorde
- Savage Brigade
- Gunshot
- Serge Panine
- Monsieur Brotonneau
- Immediate Call
- Efterlyst
- Maid to Order
- Un du 22e
- Out of the Drum
- Cirkus
- The People of the Hogbo Farm
- Rosor varje kväll
- Song to the Wind
- Herrat ovat herkkäuskoisia
- Gals and Gallons
- Devata
- The Anatomist
- Ring Madness
- A Night in a Music Hall
- Netaji Palkar
- Feathered Pests
- Desire for Africa
- Die drei Smaragde
- Mann im Schrank
- Health at War
- Vänrikki Stoolin tarinat
- Cooking Hints: Herrings
- Candida
- Stage Door
- S.O.S.
- The Answer
- Golibar
- Hot Ice
- Waste Not, Want Not
- A Bucket Full of Cartoons
- Malay States
- Breezy Little Bears
- South Africa - The Land of Smiles and Sunshine
- En Djurgårdspromenad
- There's Reason in Rhumba
- And Now They Rest
The Best Movies in 1939
Gone with the Wind
Released in 1939, "Gone with the Wind" remains a cornerstone in the domain of cinematic epics. This movie, set during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, presents an in-depth portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara. Scarlett's character, known for her manipulative tendencies, takes viewers on a journey through her complicated relationship with Rhett Butler. Beyond its romantic storyline, the film gets into themes of love, war, and the human instinct for survival. Its historical context provides a canvas for the exploration of these themes, making it a powerful piece of cinematic history.
The Wizard of Oz
"The Wizard of Oz" stands out as a musical adventure cherished by audiences of all ages. The film follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto, whose house is picked up by a tornado and deposited in the magical Land of Oz. Dorothy's quest to return home involves securing the help of the Wizard, which leads her to meet three unique friends along the way. The story is more than an adventure; it's a narrative on bravery, friendship, and the concept of home. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its inventive use of music, color, and special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time of release.
The Rules of the Game
Jean Renoir's "The Rules of the Game" is a film that adeptly navigates the intricacies of French bourgeois society on the brink of World War II. The movie is set in a country estate and uses a hunting party as the backdrop to unravel the complex web of relationships among its wealthy guests and their servants. It's a comedy-drama that scrutinizes the social norms and behaviors of its characters, making a poignant statement on the societal structure of the time. The film's critical view of societal norms, combined with its expertly crafted narrative structure, secures its place as a seminal work in film history.
The Roaring Twenties
Exploring the post-World War I era and the Prohibition period in the United States, "The Roaring Twenties" is a crime drama that provides an insightful look into the lives and moral dilemmas of three men trying to navigate the changing times. The film addresses the implications of the war and Prohibition on American society, highlighting the challenges people faced during the era. Its depiction of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of the American dream offers a poignant snapshot of a defining period in American history. "The Roaring Twenties" successfully combines historical context with personal narratives, making it a captivating watch.
Stagecoach
Directed by John Ford, "Stagecoach" is a film that transformed the Western genre. The plot centers around a group of passengers traveling through Apache territory, which serves as a foundation for examining themes of social prejudice, redemption, and survival. The movie is renowned for its character development and tension among the group, offering a deeper look into the human condition. Its innovative narrative and technical achievements enhanced the storytelling of Western films, influencing countless directors and the genre itself. "Stagecoach" is a landmark film that showcases the potential of the Western as a serious and compelling genre.
Film & Industry Highlights of 1939
The Context of 1939 in the Film Industry
The film industry in 1939 was characterized by an unprecedented output of films that have stood the test of time. This year, Hollywood released 365 films, a considerable number reflecting the industry's productivity at the time. This era, often referred to as the Golden Age of Hollywood, showcased the film studios' ability to produce films that captured audiences' imaginations.
Notable Films and Their Impact
Among the numerous releases, certain films stood out for their storytelling, visual effects, and cultural impact. "Gone with the Wind" not only won Best Picture at the 12th Academy Awards but also marked an influential moment in history with Hattie McDaniel's win for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first African-American to win an Academy Award. "The Wizard of Oz" is another cornerstone of 1939, enchanting audiences with its innovative use of Technicolor. "Stagecoach" revitalized the Western genre and catapulted John Wayne to stardom. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" showcased the talents of James Stewart in a politically charged drama that remains relevant. "Wuthering Heights" brought Emily Brontë's classic novel to life, captivating audiences with its tragic romance.
Audience Engagement and Box Office Success
With 80 million cinema tickets sold in the US alone, 1939 films saw phenomenal box office success. The appeal of these films can be attributed to a combination of compelling storytelling, technological advancements in filmmaking, and the magnetic allure of the leading actors of the time, many of whom were introduced to audiences by the studios themselves. "Gone with the Wind" led the box office in North America, followed by "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Jesse James", showcasing a wide range of genres that appealed to a broad audience.
Technological Innovations and Advances
1939 was not just about compelling stories; it was also a year of important technological advancements in filmmaking. The use of Technicolor in "The Wizard of Oz" presented audiences with a resonant world that was previously unimaginable on the silver screen. Such innovations not only enhanced the visual appeal of films but also broadened the scope of storytelling in cinema.
Contributions to the Film Industry Beyond Hollywood
The establishment of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) in 1939 marked a notable development in the film industry in North America. Originally created as an advisory board, the NFB shifted towards active production to meet the demands of the Second World War. This move underscores the global impact of films and the role they play in shaping cultural and societal narratives beyond entertainment.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The films of 1939 have left an enduring legacy, continuing to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences decades later. Their success and the innovations of the time played a vital role in shaping the future direction of the film industry. Film historians routinely cite 1939 as a pivotal year, not just for its high-quality output but also for how it encapsulated the potential of cinema as a form of art and communication.
Recognition and Awards
The 11th and 12th Academy Awards, recognizing films from 1938 and 1939, highlighted the achievements of this golden year. Spencer Tracy's Best Actor win for "Boys Town," and Walter Brennan's Best Supporting Actor award for "Kentucky" at the 11th Academy Awards were precursors to the recognition the films of 1939 would receive. The 12th Academy Awards further cemented the year's significance, with "Gone with the Wind" taking home the Best Picture award, among others.